Red Meets Blue
an excerpt

“What?!” David exclaimed on the phone, praying he did not hear her right. “April, did you just say what I just thought you just said?”

April, who was on the other line, sniffled. “I’m really sorry David.”

“Where are you right now? Can I meet up with you? Let’s talk about this, please.”

“Uh…I’m actually at the lobby of your condominium. I wanted to meet you to tell you this in person...”

“Okay, wait there, I’ll be right down.” David hung up the phone and sprinted to the elevator. A minute later, he was at the lobby, where a very tearful April met him, apologizing spouting from her mouth.

“I’m really sorry, David,” April said, tears falling down from her eyes. “I really wanted to tell you but I didn’t want to burst anyone’s bubble. I really want to join you guys, but I can’t…”

“April slow down, please,” David said, taking her by the arm and leading her to one of the seats. “Okay, breathe deeply, and say everything again. I promise not to get mad, just tell me everything. Wait, let me get you some water first. I’ll be back.” David stood up and jogged to the nearby convenience store and came back a minute later with two bottles of mineral water. He handed one to April and held the other one for him, for whatever April’s news may be.
“Okay now go.”

“I’m leaving on Wednesday for the States,” April said in one breath, after drinking a mouthful of water. “I’m really sorry.”

“Why are you going there? And why so soon?” David asked, feeling a pit form in his stomach.

“It’s my dad,” April whispered. “Mom called me yesterday and told me that dad suffered a major heart attack yesterday. He’s fine now, but he’s still in the hospital.” She took a deep breath to calm herself.

“My gosh, I’m really sorry,” David said, patting April’s hand comfortingly. “How long will you be there?” Maybe she doesn’t have to stay there for more than three weeks.

“I don’t know…a month, maybe?” April replied. “David, I really want to join you guys on the concert, I promise. You know how much I want to. But I know you also know how important family is. I’m really, really sorry.” Her eyes started to tear up again.

“April, it’s okay,” David said, mentally scolding himself for being so selfish. “I know how much your family means to you, it’s really okay. I guess we’ll just call Tina and tell them we’ll be backing out.”

“No! Don’t back out,” April said. “It is going to be bad for publicity, who knows when we will get this thing again? Don’t back out because of me.”

“But you’re our vocalist, April. I know I can sing, but I can’t do your parts.” David protested.

“I know…but maybe you can find a temporary singer, you know? Someone who can fill in my shoes just in case I can’t go back on time. A one month stay is the maximum.” April said. “But don’t back out because of me.”

David sighed.

“I’m really sorry. It’s just that I really got worried and my mom did too so she booked me tickets immediately and things went so fast. I really wanted to tell you earlier this morning, but I didn’t want to spoil all your fun.”

Now he smiled. “Like I said, don’t worry. I understand, really. If it happened to me I’d do the same thing. I’m sure Nathan and Rex would understand as well,” he said. “And you know you have our prayers for your dad, right?”

“Of course I do,” April said. “Thank you so much for understanding, David.” She reached over to hug him. David hugged her back, feeling her small body shake with little sniffles. He hugged her a bit tighter and kissed her forehead, wishing he could take her worries away.

“Again, don’t back out because we all signed the contract already. I couldn’t bear to pop Nathan’s bubble earlier, which is why I didn’t say anything anymore. And I promise to try to be back soon,” April said when they broke apart. She took another drink of water and stood up to leave.

“Let me give you a ride home,” David offered. April nodded and the two of them made their way to the elevator for the parking area.

“Thanks again, David. I know I could count on you. In the meantime I’ll pray that you find a temporary vocalist just in case,” This time she managed a grin.

“Bet she won’t be as good as someone named April Alonzo,” he teased. To his delight, April laughed.

“Whatever, David. But promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“Get Brooke’s autograph for me? Please?”

“You didn’t have to ask, my friend,” David assured.

But deep inside he was thinking: How could we even ask her for Brooke's autograph if we can’t even perform in the first place? Where can we get a new vocalist in less than three weeks?

Lord, why are You doing this?